Inspired by the boulangeries and cafes of France, Jimmy John's has created a wine to pair with its new "The Frenchie" sandwich, which features cured meats on a French baguette. Dubbed Vin de Sandwich, the wine is a "light-bodied pinot noir made with grapes sourced from the Chalone appellation of California, with notes of dark raspberry and ripe cherry," a company announcement said.

National Wine Day is May 25, and restaurants around the US are marking the occasion with special offerings. Among Wine Day specials are a $20 "Wines from around the world" flight at Philadelphia's Chez Ben; deep wine discounts at Houston's Union Kitchen; a global wine tasting at San Diego's Patio on Goldfinch; and limited-edition wine flights at Atlanta's Barcelona Wine Bar.

Joseph Carr went from selling wine out of his trunk a decade ago to seeing his Josh Cellars label experience the most dollar sales growth among all table wine brands last year, Nielsen reports. The winery's success can largely be attributed to the brand's charitable endeavors and its gift for connecting with consumers through storytelling, Mike DeSimone and Jeff Jenssen write.

High Key Wines has introduced wine pouches that come in three flavors, dry rose, semi-sweet rose and sweet white, with each portable pouch containing approximately the amount found in a customary glass of wine. The pouches are available for order on the High Key website, starting at $19.98 for a six-pack.

A number of businesses are working to boost the global appeal of baijiu, the world's most-consumed spirit according to IWSR, made from grain for thousands of years in China and comprising 40% to 60% ABV. Ming River distillery in China has partnered with a group of expats there to market the drink in the US, while Vinn Distillery in Portland, Ore., is the country's sole domestic baijiu distillery.

Chef Thomas Keller's Q&A at the National Restaurant Association Show in Chicago this week caught the attention of SmartBrief's food-and-beverage readers. New frozen treats from KIND Healthy Snacks were the subject of the week's most-read story.

Wisconsin Rep. Gary Tauchen has proposed a bill to allow alcohol to be ordered online and delivered there. The bill would require the individual ordering the liquor to prove they are 21 with an ID, and for the delivery person to be 21 and to have undergone bartender training.

South Carolina businesses that sell alcohol will now have to prove they also sell a certain amount of food before a liquor license can be issued or renewed, according to a policy change announced Thursday by the state's Revenue Department. The S.C. Constitution says businesses must engage "primarily and substantially" in selling food in order to receive a liquor license, but it does not stipulate what percentage must be derived from food sales.

Leaders can improve relationships by understanding their personal value and finding ways to show others they are valued, writes John Maxwell. "You invite people into relationship when you as a leader regularly serve others, are quick with a kind word, and are first to encourage someone," he writes.

The Department of Transportation says that it is working to make it easier to bring automated driving systems to the nation's roadways. Also, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration have issued calls for comment related to the use of autonomous vehicles.

WSWA and DSI present wholesaler members a program with Maxon offering significant savings when purchasing liftgates. Maxon offers the following to WSWA wholesaler members:

• Exclusive WSWA wholesaler member pricing on Maxon liftgates
• All liftgates purchased under this program include a no cost extended warranty of 3 years for parts and labor

To receive a customized quote contact DSI General Manager Ali Comeaux at 303-277-3359 or via email.